Interview with Jason Elliot from Atlanta band Spirits and the Melchizedek Children

If you don’t know about this band you really need to find out! Hailed as the new Pink Floyd, they are esoteric and take you on a sonic voyage, and definitely not to be missed live. I recently sat down with the front man of this stellar band at Joe’s Coffee in East Atlanta Village. The sun was shining, the beverages were tasty, and so we had a little Q&A.

Tim: How did the band form?

Jason: Well, I started out toying around with solo acoustic stuff, just as a way to wind down. Then I started laying some of it down on a four track recorder. After that I joined up with Chris Case (keys) and then Joe Mcneill (bass). I loved the energy we created, and we ended up putting out out first effort “We’re here to save you”. In the process we went through a couple of other guitarists and drummers. We finally hooked Ryan Fielden (drums) and Andrew Burnes (guitar), but are touring as a four piece currently.

T: What’s your favorite part of being in a band?

J: I love the feeling of something like this coming together. As a musician it can be tricky to put yourself outside of your own songs and be in the position of the listener. But when you do it’s like hearing it for the first time and you can observe the final product. I’ve been at this from a very early age and it just keeps getting better.

T: What do you think about Atlanta’s current music scene?

J: With a lot of talent and so much involvement from the up & coming artists, as well as the many local staples, it’s great here. People seem to be coming in from all over the place to help this diamond in the rough shine. Atlanta has this neat southern gothic vibe in a metropolis full of history. It’s not just a scene here, it’s a lifestyle.

T: What are the plans for the bands future?

J: We’re going to finish up our seven week tour and spread live music all over. We’ve all made a commitment to hit the ground running. Plus spending time in the studio with Ben Price, who is tracking our next two song 7 inch single. We are staying pretty busy.

T: You are pretty much covered in tattoos. Which ones are your favorites?

J: Probably my homage to my little sister, which is “dada” in script, and of course my face.

T: What was your first tattoo?

J: (laughs) A tiger on my hip done by Jason Kelly. It’s funny because people see all the deep mystical symbols on me, and then I’ve got this rock & roll beast.

T: Miley Cyrus of Brittney Spears?

J: (without hesitating) Miley!

T: What’s your favorite Atlanta music venue?

J: Probably The Earl or 529.

T: What is one thing you want people to know about the band?

J: That our music invokes journeys of feelings and thoughts. We strive for timeless qualities to paint a mental picture.

T: What is your favorite place to eat in Atlanta?

J: Either Soba or R. Thomas (a 24 hour vegan place on Peachtree Rd)

T: What’s your favorite song by your band?

J: I would have to say the one we just recorded and haven’t released yet. Or the title track off our new album “So happy, it’s sad”

T: What are some bands you really like?

J: Anything on Constellation Records, Stars of the lid, Bright black morning light, Dungen, and my band of course!

T: Anything else you would like to add?

J: Check us out on facebook (spiritsatl), and the new album is available in vinyl, cd, and digital format. Be sure and check out Fallen Arrows online! Also we have an indiegogo running until April 30th to help pay for touring, and to recoup after our van broke down recently. http://igg.me/at/SOHAPPYITSSAD